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Strategies for the Prevention and Management of Respiratory Infections in Patients at High Risk in the UAE: A
Abdullah Shehab1, Huda Al Dhanhani2, Omar Alhammadi3
1Department of Interventional Cardiology, Burjeel Royal and Mediclinic Hospitals, Al Ain, UAE. heartdr123@googlemail.com.
Insights
High-risk individuals need better protection against respiratory infections like influenza and COVID-19. Experts recommend improved vaccination strategies and patient education to increase vaccine uptake and prevent serious illness.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Respiratory infections pose a significant mortality risk, especially for vulnerable populations.
- Despite available vaccines and antivirals for diseases like influenza, COVID-19, pneumococcal disease, and RSV, vaccine coverage remains suboptimal.
- Healthcare professionals in the UAE identified gaps in managing high-risk patients with respiratory infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for managing high-risk patients with respiratory infections in the UAE.
- To address current practice gaps and enhance communication between healthcare providers and patients.
- To improve vaccine uptake and adherence to preventative strategies.
Main Methods:
- Convened a multidisciplinary panel of medical experts from the UAE.
- Reviewed existing guidelines and identified areas for improvement in patient management.
- Developed recommendations focusing on vaccination, antiviral use, early testing, and patient education.
Main Results:
- Emphasized adherence to guidelines, comprehensive use of vaccines and antivirals, and strict vaccination schedules.
- Highlighted the need for early symptom recognition and testing.
- Stressed the importance of patient education to combat hesitancy and improve vaccine uptake for COVID-19 and other infections.
- Recommended updating chronic disease guidelines to incorporate preventative measures.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of respiratory infections requires adherence to guidelines, timely interventions, and improved patient-provider communication.
- Increasing vaccine uptake through education and addressing hesitancy is crucial for protecting high-risk populations.
- Continuous monitoring and updating of clinical practices are essential for managing respiratory infections and improving public health outcomes.
Abstract:
Respiratory infections are a major cause of mortality among young children and adults, particularly the elderly or those with underlying medical conditions. Many respiratory infections, including influenza, COVID-19, pneumococcal disease, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), have available vaccines and antiviral agents. However, vaccine coverage rates remain low. Experts representing a broad spectrum of medical specialties from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) made evidence-based recommendations on treating patients considered high risk for respiratory infections, highlighting gaps in current practices and suggesting strategies for improved communication between healthcare professionals and patients. To effectively manage respiratory infections, the experts emphasized the importance of adhering to guidelines, considering all vaccines and antiviral treatments, and strictly following vaccination schedules. Early testing upon recognition of symptoms was also encouraged. Improving vaccine uptake was considered crucial and could be achieved by educating patients about disease prevention through vaccines and the role of antiviral treatments for COVID-19. Addressing knowledge gaps and combating vaccine hesitancy among both patients and healthcare professionals were also essential steps. Recommendations for future initiatives include healthcare professionals educating the public on precautionary measures to reduce the spread of respiratory infections. Additionally, the experts agreed that clinical management guidelines for chronic diseases should be updated to include preventative strategies such as vaccines, prophylaxis, and counselling. Monitoring the performance of healthcare facilities using key performance indicators is also recommended to ensure effective management and continuous improvement of vaccination programs. Patient populations in the UAE who are considered at high risk of serious disease from respiratory infections have diverse medical needs and may access healthcare across a wide range of settings and specialisms. Therefore, it is vital that all healthcare professionals across specialisms who may engage with these individuals are able to provide appropriate advice on managing the risk through vaccination, prompt testing, and treatments as needed.
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